Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-06-29
NEW X. OF l.. CONSTITUTION.
Adopted by q Decided MatOrity-SOnt
OF the Changes Made BY &C..

By returns made to the general headquarters OF
the Knights OF Labor in Philadelphia, the new
constitution OF the order, embodytng many impor-
tant changes, has been adopted by about a three
fourths vote. clause providing for the forma-
ton OF national trades assemblies sent out sepa-
fatey from the constitution and voted upon by the
local assemblies throughout the order, has also
been adopted by nearly the same vote. The new
constitution will be promulgated by the general
executive board in q very few days, and will so
into eject Immediately after its PRONUNCIATION.
THE TEMPERANCE cLArsB.
An analysis OF the vote shows that nearly one
half Of the local assemblies that opposed the adop
ton OF the new constitution did so on account OF
section 325. which reads: mo local or other as
give, sell, or have any ale, beer or intoxicating
liquors or any kind at any meeting party, sociable
ball, picnic. or entertainment whatever apper-
tanning to the order. Any member found guilty
OF violating this law shall be suspended not less
than six months or expelled. No fine shall be i'm
posed for this ofYense. Any local or other assem-
bly, so offending shall be suspended during the
pleasure OF the general executive board or shall
have its charter revoked by said board" Nearly
against this clause, and therefore against the
whole.
THE ARTICLE ON COOPERATION
was adopted unanimously. II provides for the
creation and disbursement Of fund to aid co-ope-
ration enterprises Each local assembly is re-
quired to collect and deposit sum not less than
cents per month for every member In good stand
Ing. The money is to be invested by the co-ope-
rauye board, and profits are 10 be divided equally
between the general assembly, the cooperative
1und and the workmen who create the profit. The
new constitution gives the general executive board
the 1ull power TO settle all strikes and disputes,
whether sanctioned by the board or not and IL In
creases the powers OF the general board in many
other particulars. Hereafter each district State,
national or unattached local assembly shall be en-
Titled 10 one delegate TO each 1000 members, or
majority fraction thereof. The term OF Office over
Wnlcn there has been so much controversy, has
been fixed at two years. The compensation here
AFTER Will be fixed by the general assembly when
the officer is elected.
THE NATIONAL TRADE ASSEMBLIES CLAUSE
Is probably the most important OF the changes II
provides that "any particular trade or calling
may form national trade assembly by giving at
least three months notice to each local assembly
whose entire membership Is composed OF such
trade TO attend convention for the purpose OF
forming national trade assembly," At least two
thirds OF the local assemblies must vote in favor
OF the trade assembly, and not less than ten as
semblieS, II there be that number in the order may
receive charter. Section three OF the article
Is not very strong, however, II still leaves the
matter In the hands OF the general executive
board, which, II the law has been compiled with
may instruct the general secretary to issue a
charter. Votes viii be received until July Is and
recorded, although the new constitution viii be in
effect sometime before that, probably about July i.